Richards Officials Put On Fundraiser for Olympic Figure Skating Hopeful Jordan Moeller

In Jordan Moeller’s small corner of the world, a big dream lives. He is an Olympic figure skating champion in the making.

“I am working hard at keeping my endurance up, putting new programs together and working on new jumps and new spin positions,” said Moeller, a Richards High School junior. He is preparing for his return to the stage at Homewood-Flossmoor Ice Arena’s 37th annual Ladybug Competition in April.

When Moeller won the 2010 U.S. intermediate championship, he called the victory a “defining life moment” and one that made him realize he had a future in the sport. He placed second in the 2011 U.S. novice championships.

He hopes to represent the United States, perhaps at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, or the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

To that end, Richards High School officials will host a fundraiser for Moeller from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, at Richards. The fundraiser is designed to help him pay for the rising costs of training and ice time.

Tickets, $8 for adults and $6 for children, will be available at the door or by contacting teacher Debbie Swanson (708-699-5461) or Moeller’s mother, Martha (708-927-8867). Beggar’s Pizza will cater the event.

“We as a family appreciate everything that everyone has done for Jordan in helping him attain the level in figure skating his is at,” Martha Moeller said. “Without the support of the school, his coach and many others along the way, he would not be where he is today with his skating.”

Jordan’s beginning was a humble one: He started skating at age 4 after watching his older sister twirl around the ice. He did not want to be left out of the fun.

Today, he trains at Southwest Ice Arena in Crestwood, Oak Lawn Ice Arena and Northbrook Sports Center with his coach, Kori Ade. Jordan juggles his workout sessions around homework and the life of an active teen-ager. The figure skater he most admires is Canadian world champion Patrick Chan.

The list of activities Moeller enjoys is a long one, running the gamut from beach volleyball and ultimate Frisbee to soccer and rollerblading. He plays the trumpet in a church band.

And, on those rare occasions when he is spotted sitting down, it’s only because he is reading a book.

“I usually get my schoolwork done in the car rides to and from practices,” Jordan Moeller said. “The trips are about an hour long each way, so I have quite a bit of time to do homework. Sometimes, I will finish up at home after dinner. Most of the time I can get to bed around 10 p.m. so I can go at it again the next day.”

When he performs, he experiences a wide range of emotions—and so do his parents.

“When I watch Jordan compete—actually already during the warm-up—I usually get all tense and nervous,” said John Moeller, Jordan’s father. “Then, I think, ‘The worst thing he can do right now is to be tense and nervous, so the least I can do is be calm for him.’ ”

Moeller’s father is a pastor. He has to be calm in his profession. Jordan takes after him in many ways. Yet, he credits both of his parents for his upbringing and for enabling him to pursue his dreams.

“My parents always taught me to be respectful toward people,” Jordan Moeller said. “It is a virtue I think everyone should have some of. I try to be the best person I can be, and it helps in skating.”

He is going for the gold. His support group is golden.

“Being there for Jordan when he competes is very important to me,” Martha Moeller said. “I want him to know I love him. I am always there to support him and I am very proud of the person he has become and the accomplishments he has attained.”